Vacations are often few and far between for an entrepreneur or small business owner. No matter where you go or how long you stay, you’ll want to make the most of your vacation: exploring new places, deepening personal relationships, and enjoying recreation and leisure activities. When you’re burned out from work, however, you can spend most of your time just trying to recover. Once you finally relax, it’s time to head back to the office.
For a small business owner, the keys to preventing burnout are being conscious of what motivates you and choosing where you spend your energy. These three tips can help you enjoy your time at work and make the most of your next vacation.
- Focus on tasks that energize you: Business owners often love their small companies and find satisfaction in seeing them grow and succeed. You’re less likely to feel burned out if you spend most of your time and energy on core growth-oriented activities, such as developing new products, building customer relationships and planning for the future.
- Know which tasks drain you: Whether it’s managing payroll or reordering office supplies, spending a lot of time on operational issues can distract small business owners, causing aggravation and burnout. Once you’ve identified the challenges that zap your energy, look for technology or outsourcing solutions. For example, if payroll causes you grief, see if your accounting software offers an add-on automated payroll service.
- Connect with your community: Joining your area’s chamber of commerce can help you tap into your local small business community and draw support, camaraderie and referrals from your peers. In addition, small businesses often benefit from dealing with local banks and institutions. These organizations are more invested in the success of the region and its businesses, and may tailor their services for your needs.
When you’re a small business owner, it can be difficult to carve out time to rest and recharge, but focusing on the above strategies can help you avoid burnout.
Do you have a favorite way to preventing burnout, such as exercising or unplugging from technology? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
